Harrisburg vs Philadelphia: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,998 | $48,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.12 | $23.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,986 | $40,204▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,442 | $43,699▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,499 | $50,113▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,472 | $56,054▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,370 | 13,150▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Philadelphia is $2,173 (4.72%). Philadelphia's median is +0.44% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $10,486,Philadelphia spans $15,850. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($46,971 effective) pays 0.74% more than Harrisburg ($46,627 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,054)
- ✓Larger job market (13,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,971)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Harrisburg grew 33.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$32,900 (2019) → $43,820 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$35,200 (2019) → $45,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Harrisburg or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Philadelphia as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Harrisburg vs Philadelphia?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov